Los Gatos Police Chief proposes jurisdiction expansion to Saratoga

Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Chief Jamie Field has proposed expanding the department's jurisdiction to include Saratoga. The plan, presented at a Los Gatos Town Council meeting, involves recruiting 16.5 new officers and support staff.

The proposal has met with mixed reactions from residents and council members. While some expressed enthusiasm, others raised concerns regarding the potential degradation of community policing and the financial implications. The plan includes a $9.39 million annual base cost to Saratoga, with Los Gatos covering initial launch costs. Some opponents suggest that long-term costs for Saratoga could reach between $15 million and $26 million by the tenth year.

Privacy concerns were also raised by residents regarding the potential reactivation of automated license plate readers (ALPR) by Flock Safety in Saratoga. Chief Field addressed these concerns, stating that the department maintains high standards and will not allow technology to overshadow community service.